Dear members and friends of the Rotary Club of Sydney Darling Harbour,

Well, I must say I’m nervous. After seeing so many strong and powerful presentations at Saturday’s Rotary 9675’s International Women’s Day Lunch in the company of so many of Rotarians, I’m not entirely sure that it’s an act I can follow. The day opened with Sahera Sumar talking about her work with SHEroes, where she and her team strive to close the gender gap by empowering women, then gave the floor to Rosemary Karuiki, the Australian of the Year Local Hero 2021 to talk about her experience as an immigrant and her work as a multicultural liaison officer for the NSW Police in Campbelltown, and wrapped with founder and CEO of Escabags Stacey Jane, to tell her story as an abuse survivor, and her work in supporting others in that situation.

Truly, it was an inspiring, emotional and encouraging day. For those that missed it, our very own Sue Hayward will be recapping the event at our meeting on Wednesday. Don’t forget, we’re back in The Grace that morning. Zoom will still be available for those that can’t make it in, but if you’re able it would be great to see you all in person again.

And finally, District Conference is fast approach. If you’ve not done so already, you can purchase your tickets via the District Website.

Upcoming Events

Club Meeting – 9/3/2022: Sue Hayward and International Women’s Day
March 9, 2022 at 7:30 am
The Grace Hotel

Our regular club meetings are used to discuss our upcoming events, ongoing projects and recent news. This week, our very own Sue Hayward will be provided a recap of the recent Rotary District 9675 International Women’s Day lunch, as well as telling us all what we can look forward to at the upcoming Rotary District 9675 Conference. If you are looking to give something back to the community, to develop professionally, to help steer exciting projects, or are just interested in making new friends, you are very welcome to attend our meeting.

For more information, or to get involved, visit https://rotarydarlingharbour.org.au/events/club-meeting-9-3-2022/

Board Meeting – 16/03/2022
March 16, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Online Event

The Rotary Club of Sydney Darling Harbour is engaged in several different projects. Whether it’s working within our local community, advancing international understanding and providing humanitarian aid, providing for the development and advancement of our members or fostering new friendships, our Club strives to always put its hands to something useful. Board meetings allow for the Club’s leadership to discuss plans, co-ordinate on strategies and address Club issues. They allow the Club’s leadership a chance to discuss the our upcoming events and projects, and help ensure that we remain vibrant and cohesive. If you would like to sink your teeth into the administration behind our Club, you are very welcome to attend our board meetings.

For more information, or to get involved, visit https://rotarydarlingharbour.org.au/events/board-meeting-16-03-2022/

Rotary District 9675 Conference – 2022
March 18, 2022 at 8:00 am
The Warwick

Each year, the Clubs within the District meet for District Conference. This gives exposure to ongoing District and Rotary International projects, allows us to set strategic direction for the year ahead and, most importantly, provides an opportunity for us to talk shop and socialise with our colleagues in other Clubs. After almost two years of intermittent lock-downs and restricted opportunities face to face, the District Conference should be a welcome opportunity to catch up with old friends, strike up new conversations with Rotarians we’ve not met, and help make the next Rotary year even brighter than the one preceding it. To purchase your ticket, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=808939.

For more information, or to get involved, visit https://rotarydarlingharbour.org.au/events/rotary-district-9675-conference-2022/

Digital Club Meeting – 23/3/2022
March 23, 2022 at 7:30 am
Online Event

Our digital club meetings are a great opportunity to discuss our upcoming events, ongoing projects and recent news from the comfort of your home office. If you are looking to give something back to the community, to develop professionally, to help steer exciting projects, or are just interested in making new friends, you are very welcome to attend our meeting.

For more information, or to get involved, visit https://rotarydarlingharbour.org.au/events/digital-club-meeting-23-3-2022/

International Toast

This week, we’re toasting the Rotary Club of Seoul, Korea. Founded in 1927, it was actually the first Rotary Club in Korea. Their history is inextricably linked to that of their country, as they were established as the Rotary Club of Keijo during the Japanese colonial period, to be closed down by the Japanese military during the second World War. The Club would then also temporarily pause during the Korean War, as the members temporarily fled to Busan. Today, the members take pride in their Club’s history, believing that it’s ability to weather these conditions embody the finest ideals of the Korean spirit.

The Club meets on Wednesdays at 7PM, and you can find out more about them at https://portal.clubrunner.ca/12259

Cheers to you, Rotary Club of Seoul!

This Day in History

On March 7 in 1774, King George III charged colonists in Boston with attempting to injure British commerce, paving the way for the closing of the port to punish colonists for the Boston Tea Party.

Final Thoughts

Bumblebees are capable of flying at altitudes higher than Mount Everest.

Well, that’s it from me. Don’t forget that our next meeting is scheduled for 7.30am on the 9th of March, taking place at the Grace Hotel. For more information, please visit rotarydarlingharbour.org.au/events/club-meeting-9-3-2022/.

Until next week,
Drew Sturgiss
President
Rotary Club of Sydney Darling Harbour